Strictly row deepens as dancer ‘needed three months of therapy after appearing on show with Giovanni Pernice’
A STRICTLY dancer is said to have needed three months of therapy after appearing on the show with under-fire pro Giovanni Pernice.
The claim comes just days after a male celebrity joined a group of female stars complaining about his behaviour.
The man who came forwards, who has not been identified, has already been in touch with lawyers acting for the other complainants amid an internal BBC review.
And a source last night said: “One of the dancers on the show found it so traumatising that they sought professional help.
“The show is unlike anything else on TV. The pressure on those taking part is huge and shouldn’t be under-estimated.
“But Giovanni’s demanding behaviour behind the scenes took it up a notch and caused significant emotional distress.
“They were so upset by what happened they needed counselling to recover from the toll it took.”
We had already revealed Gio, 33, is quitting. The Sicilian pro has been questioned over his “brutal, taskmaster training methods”.
Within 24 hours of our story, legal firm Carter Ruck confirmed the BBC had launched a probe into workplace misconduct.
Three of the dancer’s former partners — believed to be Amanda Abbington, Laura Whitmore and Michelle Visage — have all contacted Carter Ruck.
Sherlock actress Amanda, 52, who quit last year’s series early, said she had suffered mild PTSD from working with Gio.
Speaking for the first time about it, she said: “Giovanni is nasty. He was awful to a few of us, a group of us.”
A Strictly spokesman previously said: “We will always look at any issues raised with care, fairness and sensitivity.”
Giovanni has denied any wrongdoing and instructed top legal firm Schillings to fight his corner.
Giovanni Pernice Strictly scandal timeline
October 2023: Amanda abruptly withdraws from Strictly having already missed one live show. Her departure is announced in a vague BBC statement that ‘wishes her the best’.
Giovanni posts a short message on social media addressing the exit, which read: “Amanda… I am so sad we can’t continue but I am proud of what we achieved and I am sending you so much love.”
Amanda then shares her own farewell statement on Instagram thanking co-stars but failing to mention Gio.
Giovanni’s dad Piero insists there were no signs of a fall out and the pairing could have gone all the way. He praised his son as kind and polite.
November 2023: Giovanni is reportedly gutted by the situation and is considering his Strictly future as questions are raised about his conduct.
January 2024: Amanda’s PTSD diagnosis comes to light and she demands CCTV from rehearsals to prove that Giovanni’s training methods weren’t acceptable.
The BBC issues a statement defending its duty of care to contestants, insisting it takes any claims of wrongdoing very seriously.
The Corporation stands by its man after emergency meeting
March 2024: Giovanni publicly states he has no intention of leaving Strictly in a TV interview with close pal Anton du Beke.
Ranvir Singh and Laura Whitmore enter the picture. Allegedly the two celebs, who were both previously partnered with Giovanni on Strictly, didn’t feel the BBC took their issues with his methods seriously enough.
The pair have a closed meeting with Amanda where tears are said to be shed.
May 2024: We reveal Giovanni is leaving the programme after having talks with show bosses
He leaves the country with girlfriend Molly Brown on holiday
The BBC launches an internal investigation after three complainants instruct lawyers. A source describes it as a “nightmare situation”.